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Whale Watching Guidelines

Why are marine mammal guidelines needed?

The marine areas of northern and southern Vancouver Island have a high abundance and diversity of marine mammals and seabirds. These animals are vulnerable to impacts from chemical and noise pollution, fishing activity, global climate change and loss of habitat. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada have listed the southern resident killer whales as endangered and the northern resident killer whales, transient killer whales and humpback whales as threatened. In response to the growth of commercial and recreation marine mammal viewing activities, guidelines (PDF) have been developed to help reduce the risk of disturbance by vessel traffic.

The whale watching guidelines are endorsed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and BC Parks in Canada and by NOAA Fisheries and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in the US.

By following the Be Whale Wise Guidelines you are helping to reduce the impact of your vessel on marine mammals.